New Vegas Devs Eye Obscure Game Series

Obsidian Entertainment's CEO has expressed strong interest in developing a lesser-known Microsoft IP. Discover why this franchise has captivated the acclaimed RPG studio.

Obsidian CEO Wants to Breathe New Life into Shadowrun

Beyond Fallout: A New Frontier

"I love Shadowrun. I think it’s super cool," Urquhart stated, explaining that he specifically requested a list of Microsoft IPs following the acquisition. The addition of Activision's vast catalog broadened the possibilities, yet Urquhart's focus remained unwavering. "If you had to pin me down on one, yes, Shadowrun is the one," he confirmed.

Obsidian has built a reputation for crafting compelling sequels within established franchises. While their original IPs, such as Alpha Protocol and The Outer Worlds, showcase their creative prowess, their legacy is deeply rooted in expanding beloved RPG universes. From Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II and Neverwinter Nights 2 to Fallout: New Vegas and Dungeon Siege III, Obsidian consistently demonstrates a masterful ability to enrich existing worlds.

In a 2011 interview with Joystiq, Urquhart explained the studio's affinity for sequels: "RPGs have a lot of sequels because you can keep on adding to the world. You can keep on coming up with new stories. I think from that perspective, it’s great to be able to make these even if they’re sequels because you get to go play in someone else’s world."

While the specifics of Obsidian's vision for Shadowrun remain undisclosed, the prospect of their involvement excites fans. Urquhart's long-standing passion for the tabletop RPG assures fans that the franchise would be in capable hands. "I bought the book when it first came out. I probably own four of the six editions," he admitted.

Shadowrun's Evolving Legacy

Shadowrun's history is as rich and complex as its cyberpunk-fantasy setting. Originating as a tabletop RPG in 1989, it has spawned numerous video game adaptations. Following FASA Corporation's closure, the pen-and-paper rights changed hands several times, but the video game rights remained with Microsoft after its acquisition of FASA Interactive in 1999.

Harebrained Schemes has developed several Shadowrun games in recent years, but anticipation for a new, original entry remains high. The last standalone title, Shadowrun: Hong Kong, launched in 2015. Remastered versions of previous games were released in 2022 for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, yet the community's desire for a fresh Shadowrun experience persists.